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Free to read
The Winden Ridge Tales
The Dark Track
Final Chapter Coming Soon!!
The Flat White Writer
Simon Brian cover politics, religion, social reform, law, sex and sport, and many other topics. So, not every view, opinion or comment will meet with everyone's approval or agreement.
But we can all have an opinion. Please comment if you'd like to.
4 min read
A willingness to work hard, learn, and stick with it
Over nine million people are neither working nor showing signs of willingly looking for work. Hmmm. That’s around 20% of the working...
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2 min read
Time, please – last opinions before we close
Having a good chat – a bit of banter – in the pub has become increasingly difficult over the years. Groups gathering beside the bar, dart...
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3 min read
Shrinking and growing
I’m suffering from a communication breakdown. I can still think for myself, still speak fairly coherently and write things down when I...
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3 min read
Please hold - I’m currently experiencing a high volume of crap
Many of us have attempted to resolve an issue regarding online payments or a bill query or similar. It isn’t easy, unlike the olden days,...
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2 min read
Please, can you shove my Christmas bonus somewhere?
This is a request to anyone in government who still listens to the electorate. Please, can you shove my £10 Christmas bonus where the sun...
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2 min read
The legend that is Arthur
Everyone takes technology driven domestic gadgets for granted these days. It hasn’t always been the case. Back in the day, as they say, I...
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2 min read
Please pay attention cyclists – this is the council speaking
It’s all kicking off in Grimsby. Well, not so much kicking as pedalling. The furore centres around a Public Spaces Protection Order...
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2 min read
I do not sing the national anthem, and I never will.
It must be the tribal nature of international football that got so many people hot under the collar about the singing (or not) of the...
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3 min read
The old bat in the bedroom
Mrs B sat up in bed, reading one of her favourite murder stories. I’m not sure if it’s her love of crime fiction or endless search for...
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2 min read
Fact or fiction – election day looms
Increasingly, politicians, their campaign managers and supporters, seem to lose touch with reality. It’s never been so clear as when the...
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2 min read
What a difference a name makes
Some fiction writers find naming their characters a fairly straightforward task. Others find it a challenge. For a few, it’s a nightmare....
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2 min read
The politician, the pen and paying attention
One evening, many decades ago, I was interviewing a leading Labour politician of the time. My brief was simple. Ask him a few questions,...
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2 min read
Right leg down a bit!
I have tried to master a new skill. Crutches. My physiotherapist, a lovely person but firmly of the no pain, no gain school of medicine,...
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3 min read
Schooldays are the best days of your life?
Reaching certain milestones can often spark periods of reflection. The other day I heard an old, once popular, phrase - ‘schooldays are...
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2 min read
We should care more about carers
Many people need help in life. Sadly, people are born with disabilities. Disabilities affect many people during life. Add to that the...
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2 min read
MP is right to call for council fat cat change
I have to agree with the honourable member for Peterborough. Fat cat salaries in local government are now beyond acceptable levels. Even...
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3 min read
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric Cars? - up yours, Mr Smug
Although I have still to confirm this with Mrs B, the time may well be approaching for a change of car. Discussions with Mrs B are...
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3 min read
The battle cry of a playground in Scotland
My primary school playground was equally divisible by two; those who supported Rangers, and those who supported Celtic. It was tribal. A...
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3 min read
Lend me some money – I’ll buy you a present
Apparently, the most widespread discrimination in the UK is ageism, probably because it can apply to any age group. I think it only...
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3 min read
Losing a child - Doing nothing is not a good option
A few weeks ago, I dreamt I was a castaway. Or did I dream that someone cast me away? I honestly can't remember now, but the effect of...
13 views
3 min read
Hi-Vis pensioners risk assessment
Sometimes indignation can spiral out of control as you get older. The problem is, it becomes more and more frequent and pushes up your...
29 views
3 min read
One of Voltaire’s soldiers
It’s 1975. The coal miners accept a 35% pay rise offer. The Moorgate tube crash claims 43 lives – a further 74 people are seriously...
49 views
2 min read
Thankfully, I can still remember what I’ve forgotten
You know what it’s like – yes, you do, even if you’re one of those people who pretend this sort of thing never happens to you. Come on,...
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2 min read
Fear and fright
Mrs B urged me to go to the doctors. I tried to explain to her: ‘Men prefer to wait until it’s too late. Then they get told it’s too late...
63 views
2 min read
I’m going barking mad
I’m a baby boomer. The youngsters of the era were supposed to perish beneath an onslaught of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. (I wasn't...
16 views
2 min read
At long last, the end is nigh
Mrs B and I have shared a roof for nearly 40 years. During that time, I have continually promised her I would sit down at my desk and...
27 views
2 min read
Who do you think should dress me?
‘I think we should tackle that thorny subject of lovingly obedient wives again.’ ‘Oh, do you?’ I hear her say. I can’t see her, but from...
11 views
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